How Russia moved into Central Africa
When Central African Republic (CAR) pleaded for help last year to fight marauding militias, former colonial ruler France offered guns it had seized off Somalia. But Russia objected and donated its own weapons instead.
UK government is not asking for an extension to transition period: BBC
Britain’s government is not asking to extend the Brexit transition period, the BBC reported on Wednesday, after the European Union indicated it was ready to offer a one-year extension if it helps seal a post-Brexit trade deal.
Pompeo meets Erdogan after talks with Saudis on missing journalist
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Turkey’s President and Foreign Minister on Wednesday to discuss the disappearance of a Saudi journalist as pressure mounted on the kingdom to provide answers following Turkish allegations he was killed.
Afghan election candidate killed by bomb under office chair
An Afghan lawmaker contesting this week’s parliamentary elections was among four people killed on Wednesday by a bomb planted under his office chair, officials said, in an attack claimed by Taliban militants.
Palestinian rocket attack on Israeli city draws Gaza air strikes: military
A rocket fired by Palestinian militants hit a house in the largest city in southern Israel on Wednesday, Israel’s military said, prompting Israeli air strikes that medics said killed at least one person in the Gaza Strip.
Irish foreign minister does not expect commitment to new Brexit summit date
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said he did not expect a meeting of EU leaders later on Wednesday to agree a date for a special Brexit summit in mid-November.
Australia says trade agreement with Indonesia on track despite Israel comments
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday a billion-dollar free trade agreement with Indonesia will be signed this year, despite Indonesian concern over an Australian proposal to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.
Turkey waiting for agreement to search Saudi consul’s residence: minister to Anadolu
Turkey is waiting for a joint agreement to search the Saudi consul’s residence in Istanbul in connection with the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told state-owned Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.
Jailed Thai ex-monk gets further 16 years for child rape, abduction
A former Buddhist monk who sparked outrage in Thailand over his lavish lifestyle and is already serving time for fraud was sentenced to a further 16 years in prison on Wednesday for abducting and raping a child.
Brexit deal not far away: French finance minister
A Brexit deal is not far away and could be reached in the coming weeks, said French finance minister Bruno Le Maire on Wednesday.
